WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, and U.S. Senator Angus King today announced the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has awarded two grants totaling $138,095 to the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety (MeBHS) to support state initiatives aimed at promoting road safety. “In a rural state like Maine, roadways are the veins that connect communities, bring people together, and support economic... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) released the following statement after the Senate Foreign Relations Committee today approved legislation that would establish a legislative framework for Congress to consider any final nuclear agreement reached by the United States, its P5+1 partners, and Iran: “This bill lays out a sensible and orderly process that will allow Congress to weigh in on any potential deal in a responsible manner,” Senator King said. “This... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Angus King (I-ME), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) praised Portsmouth Naval Shipyard today as it received the distinct honor of a prestigious national safety award. The Chief of Naval Operations Fiscal Year 2014 Shore Safety Award for Large Industrial Activities is granted in recognition of significant contributions to safety and occupational health. In the last year, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard has made significant gains... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, as the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee prepares to mark up a bill reauthorizing the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, a group of seven Senators – including U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) – offered recommendations to strengthen the proposed bill, the Every Child Achieves Act of 2015. In a letter to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the HELP Committee, Senator King and Senators Mark Warner (D-Va.), Joe Manchin... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, and Congressman Bruce Poliquin, released the following statement welcoming today’s vote by the United States International Trade Commission (USITC) to proceed with an affirmative preliminary injury determination in regards to the unfair subsidies received by the Port Hawkesbury paper mill: “We applaud the International Trade Commission’s vote to continue investigating the unfair trade subsidies Canadian... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Congressman Bruce Poliquin sent a letter to United States International Trade Commission (ITC) Chairwoman, Meredith Broadbent, seeking an affirmative preliminary injury determination in regards to the unfair subsidies received by the Port Hawkesbury paper mill. This stems from the Coalition of Fair Paper Imports, which includes Madison Paper Industries and Verso Corporations, petition alleging that Canadian... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, and U.S. Senator Angus King today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded the City of Portland $2,532,600 for improvements at the Portland International Jetport, $1,250,000 to the City of Bangor for improvements at the Bangor International Airport, and $350,000 to the City of Presque Isle, for improvements at the Northern Maine Regional Airport at... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will provide $3,734,500 to the state of Maine as part of the State Homeland Security Program (SHSP). This program supports Maine’s implementation of homeland security strategies to protect the people of Maine in the face of catastrophic events or acts of terrorism. “This investment will help our state prepare for, protect against, and respond to terrorism... Continue Reading »
BRUNSWICK, ME – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Intelligence and Armed Services Committees, released the following statement on today’s announcement that the P5+1 nations have reached a political framework agreement with Iran: “A nuclear-armed Iran is a dangerous proposition not only to the United States, but also to the rest of the world – and diplomacy is, as it always has been, the best way for the U.S. and its allies to mitigate that threat.... Continue Reading »
NAPLES, ME – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and Senate Climate Action Task Force, joined with representatives from conservation and outdoor recreation groups for a forum at the Naples Town Hall to highlight the impact of climate change on ice fishing in Maine. “From lobstermen in the Gulf of Maine to fishermen here at Sebago Lake, people throughout Maine recognize that climate change is real and that it’s... Continue Reading »
LEWISTON, ME – Following several visits to Portland-area schools and a roundtable with administrators and teachers yesterday, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today sent a letter to the leaders of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee urging them provide Maine and other states with greater flexibility in complying with federal standardized testing requirements as they work to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), better known as No... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Congressman Bruce Poliquin announced that the Maine Farmland Trust will receive $249,816 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to help people in Maine who participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to purchase more Maine-grown fruits and vegetables. “Healthy food helps to make healthy families, and it’s important that Maine’s most vulnerable citizens have access to... Continue Reading »
LEWISTON, ME – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) toured Baxter Brewing Co. in Lewiston where he applauded the small business’ success and highlighted legislation he has cosponsored, the Small BREW Act of 2015, that would support small breweries across Maine and America as they grow and create jobs. “Baxter Brewing and its dedicated staff is a true Maine success story. With nothing but an idea and the passion to brew great-tasting beer, Luke put together a first-rate team... Continue Reading »
PORTLAND, ME – Following a roundtable lunch this afternoon at Presumpscot Elementary School in Portland, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) announced his intention to introduce legislation that will provide Maine with a pathway to reduce the number of federally-mandated standardized tests students must take to be in compliance with No Child Left Behind. “It’s important that we test our kids every year – students, parents, and educators benefit from those benchmarks and can... Continue Reading »
BANGOR, ME – During a tour of the Maine Veterans Home (MVH) in Bangor this morning, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) called on Congress to maintain funding for construction grants to improve infrastructure at veterans homes across the country. The President’s Fiscal Year 2016 Budget would reduce that funding – which is provided through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and supports states as they seek to expand care through new or improved facilities – by $10... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that the U.S. Navy has awarded funding for the construction of one Arleigh Burke class destroyer (DDG 51) at Bath Iron Works (BIW). This $620 million award is part of the multiyear procurement contract from 2013-2017. “This announcement is welcome news for the hardworking men and women of Bath Iron Works,” said Senators Collins and King. “The dedicated workforce of BIW deliver the highest... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the Maine Sea Grant Program at the University of Maine will receive $798,312 in grant funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to support its research, education, and outreach efforts done on behalf of Maine’s coastal communities. “Maine’s coastal communities are a vital part of our economy,” said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement.... Continue Reading »
King Celebrates Legacy of Senator Ted Kennedy at Public Dedication for Edward M. Kennedy Institute BOSTON, MA – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) attended the dedication of the Edward M. Kennedy (EMK) Institute for the United States Senate, a dynamic new center of learning and engagement that aims to educate the public about American government and inspire the next generation of public servants. For the ceremony, Senators in attendance were paired with a student from their... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Budget Committee, released the following statement after the Senate early this morning passed its 2016 Budget Resolution: “Rather than taking a balanced approach to governing, this budget locks in sequestration for another year, adopts steep cuts to important programs, and undercuts the type of investments that we need to make in areas like infrastructure and education that are going to spur economic growth... Continue Reading »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King joined a bipartisan group of their colleagues in reintroducing the Ruth Moore Act of 2015, legislation named after U.S. Navy veteran Ruth Moore of Milbridge, Maine, which would ease the burden of proof standards for victims of military sexual assault to qualify for VA benefits. Under the Ruth Moore Act, sexual assault victims would only have to show a medical diagnosis of a mental health condition and a link between an... Continue Reading »
